How to Ride Safely with Kids in a Cargo Bike

Travelling around as a family and riding cargo bikes with kids can be one of the most fun, eco-friendly, and engaging ways to explore the city. Whether it’s a simple school run, a weekend picnic, or a cute cafe moment, a bakfiet opens up a realm of possibilities.

Our little ones are precious to us, and it goes without saying that when it comes to children, safety takes centre stage. In this blog, we’ll walk through how to transport kids safely in a cargo bike and underline what to look for when you’re choosing a “safe cargo bike in Germany” or anywhere in Europe. We’ll also glance through a couple of actionable bike safety tips for families so you can ride with safety and confidence. 

Why Choose a Cargo Bike for Family Rides?

A sought-after cargo bike is more than just a fun ride. It’s a complete lifestyle, especially for families. It offers:

• More space than a conventional bike
• Versatile usage (for kids, pets, gear and groceries)
• A chance to skip car usage for multiple short trips

A study conducted in Germany found that people preferred cargo bikes over cars once they started using them.

This clearly suggests that these bikes are not just a means of transportation; they’re practical, functional, and the future. 

Are Cargo Bikes Safe for Toddlers and Kids?

Short answer? Yes. Given that all safety principles are kept in mind. 

Safety insight:

• A German study of children’s transport by bike found that for cargo bikes, helmets were used by only 50% of children, and only two-thirds adhered to correct belt usage. 
• When compared to cars, cargo bikes have a lower accident statistic. However, experts have warned that stability, braking and restraint systems may or may not be weaker on some models. 
• In Germany, 27,235 children were involved in road traffic accidents in the year 2023. While not all of them were on bikes, this underlines that important protective measures will always be non-negotiable. 

In conclusion, riding a cargo bike with kids is completely safe, provided all safety measures are in place.

What to Look For: Choosing a Safe Cargo Bike for Kids

Here’s a quick checklist of features and design elements that can help deliver cargo bike safety.

Certification & Standards: In Europe (particularly in Germany) there are unified standards such as the latest EN 17860, which sets new benchmarks for e-cargo bike safety. It rigorously tests electrical systems and structural integrity under real-world conditions—vibrations, impacts, and heavy loads.

Newly introduced in 2025, EN 17860 gives consumers greater confidence that their cargo e-bikes are built and tested for demanding, daily use. Secure seating & harnesses: A stable seat with head protection such as helmets, a proper 3- or 5-point harness, footrests, and side panels also minimise the risk of kids being jolted, falling, or getting their limbs caught. 

Effective braking and stable geometry: Since cargo bikes carry heavier loads (children + gear), they need to have reliable brakes (hydraulic discs preferably) and a low centre of gravity to steer clear of tipping.

Visibility & protective shell: In an ideal case scenario, the child compartment is in sight of the rider and has protective panels or a canopy so the child feels safe and is shielded from weather or road debris.

Wheelbase & turning behaviour: Some conventional front-box bikes can lose their balance while hitting sharp turns. If you’ll use it in busy urban areas, choose one with good handling or tilting technology.

Compliance with local regulations: In Germany and the EU, you must confirm whether e-cargo bikes are classed the same way as the standard ones (often under 25 km/h assistance) and if the route (bike lane vs road) is allowed. 

When buying or recommending a cargo bike for kids, make sure to check all these boxes.

Why Safety Starts with the Right Cargo E-Bike

Not all cargo e-bikes are built the same — especially when you’re carrying your most precious passengers. Here’s a quick comparison of key safety features parents should look for — and how Sherpaa cargo e-bikes check all the right boxes.

Pre-Ride Checklist: Safety Tips for Families

Now that you’re done picking yourself a suitable cargo bike, here are a few practical tips for safe cargo bike riding with children—from setup to actually riding it. 

Before You Start Riding:

• Make sure the child is secure with the harness and is protected with a properly fitted helmet. 
• Check all the brakes, tyres, steering and load. The weight distribution matters, and overloading the front box on a two-wheeler can minimise stability.
• Adjust your hand mirrors or mirrors if your bike comes with them. This will get you a clear rear/side visibility. 
• Pick cycle lanes or slower traffic roads. Many crash-risk scenarios involve interactions with motorised traffic. 

While You’re Riding:

• Skip roads with sudden swerves, sharp turns or swift driving, especially when you’re riding a cargo bike with kids. 
• Communicate with your child (if they’re old enough) and let them know when you’re turning or stopping your bike. Make sure to keep them aware. This will calm them down and prevent sudden movements. 
• Keep a safe distance from vehicles. Research in German cities shows that when cars overtake cargo bikes, the passing distance often falls below 1.5 m — increasing the risk for riders.
• Utilise lights, reflectors, and bright clothing, especially during dusk/dawn or winter months. A larger bike is more visible but may also be more cumbersome in braking.
• In rainy/slippery conditions, remember to reduce speed, avoid painted lines/tram tracks and try to be extra cautious. Cargo bikes take longer to stop.

After the Ride:

• Recheck the seating and the harnesses. Kids move all the time; parts loosen. Readjust if needed. 
• Clean and inspect the bike on a daily basis. Many parents ignore maintenance, thinking it’s just a “kid’s bike”. 
• Review behaviour and route and ask yourself, ‘What could I do better next time?’ A mindset of continuous safety improvement can really help you out!

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Seasoned riders can also falter sometimes. Here are a few key mistakes and how you can avoid them:

• Overloading the box: Kids + gear + groceries means too much weight. You can use the manufacturer’s payload limit and lay out the weight evenly. 
• Skipping the harness or helmet: Don’t fall for the “It’s only a short trip” logic. Short distances can still involve vehicle interactions. 
• Riding too fast/turning sharply: Bulky bikes take longer to stop and turn. Controlled riding is much safer. 
• Neglecting parking stability: Cargo bikes are heavy and may tip when parked on bumpy ground. You can also use a wide kickstand, or use the parking brake available on your cargo e-bike to park on level ground. 
• Choosing wrong routes: Busy car lanes or no dedicated cycle infrastructure can increase risks. Pick safer paths even if they are slightly longer. 
• Poor maintenance: Brakes, tyres, and lights get neglected. Too many parents think that this is going to be any other bike, but with children aboard, maintenance becomes pivotal.

Final Thoughts

With the right bike (well-designed, certified, and suited for child support), the right safety measures, and carefully planned routes, you and your kids can ride with peace of mind.

Sherpaa’s cargo e-bikes offer a mix of lifestyle and utility—with safety that’s built in. Let your bike be the core of school runs, family outings, freedom and eco-friendliness. Just remember to keep your harness and helmet on—and enjoy that ride of yours, confidently!